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Slate Roof Calculator & Estimator

If you are considering a slate roof, our roof slate calculator and estimator can provide ballpark pricing for both natural slate and the numerous faux slate alternatives on the market. Slate roofs are expensive, probably the most expensive material on the market, averaging $4.5 per square foot for the tiles themselves. The installation costs and roofing removal costs are also some of the priciest in the business.

Part of this hefty price tag is because the contractors and roofers who specialize in slate roofs are some of the best in the business. There is a high level of skill and even artistry to installing slate roofs compared to asphalt and composition shingles. Many homes that use slate are often larger in size and include valleys and hips that required more steps and a more demanding layout patterns. Finally, slate tends to be on homes that have steeper pitches to them, which is both more difficult and more dangerous for the roofers themselves. All of these factors contribute to the high cost of slate roofs.

--Slate Price Range: $10 and $30 per square foot --

Slate Tile Costs

The average slate tile runs $4 to $5 per square foot. Like all roof tile materials, slate tiles come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and ratings that affect the cost per square. (Most roofing projects are bid out by the square or 100 square feet, but it's easier for most homeonwers to break it down by the square foot).

The average cost of slate tiles is 2x to 3x the cost of asphalt shingles. S-1 is the thickest and best slate tile grade and rated to last 70 plus years. S-2 tiles should last 40 plus years and S-3 tiles are rated to last 30 plus years. There are a number of faux slate tiles and products that are made to look like slate, but at a more affordable price.

-- S-1 Tiles (Highest Rating): $5 to $7 psf --

-- S-2 Tiles (Medium Rating): $3 to $5 psf --

-- S-3 Tiles (Lower Rating): $2 to $3 psf --

Tear Off Or Removal Costs

Removing worn, cracked or simply old slate tiles (or whatever existing material is currently on your roof) is a labor intensive and important part of the project. The roofers bring out a dumpster to dispose of the old tiles, erect scaffolding for safety and easier access to the roof. They take off all the material until they get to the wood boards and then lay down a waterproof underlayment, drip edges and all necessary ridge lines. More on roofing removal prices.

--Removal Costs: $3 and $8 per square foot --

Slate Installation Cost

Installation costs for slate roofs is a the very top of the roofing installation price range - $5 to $12 per square foot. There are a number of reasons for this; the most important of which is that roofing with slate tiles is tricky and takes skill. There aren't as many companies that specialize in slate roofing so the contractors can charge more (not necessarily fair, but that's life I suppose). Where you pay on this range of pricing depends on alot of factors, including the slope on the roof, the type of roof, the number of hips and ridges, how many obstacles have to be roofed around, the time of the year, size of the project, etc.

Always get your 3 bids to compare prices and to make sure you aren't getting taken to the cleaners on the price. You would be amazed at the huge difference in bid prices you will receive for the identical project!

--Installation: $5 and $12 per square foot --

Entry Level Slate Roofing Costs

Entry level slate roofing projects will typically run $10 to $15 per square foot - this includes all of the tiles, which we are assuming are the less expensive S-3 tiles. It includes removal of your existing slate or concrete roof tiles (whatever may be up there). It includes all additional materials the roofers will need, as well as the labor portion of the installation.

-- Price Range: $10 to $15 psf fully installed --

Mid Range Slate Roofing Cost

Mid range projects will typically run $15 to $20 per square foot for the completed project - this includes all of the tiles, which we are assuming are the mid range S-2 tiles. It includes removal of your existing roof material, all additional materials the roofers will need, as well as the labor portion of the project.

-- Price Range: $15 to $20 psf fully installed --

High End Slate Roofing Prices

High end projects will run $20 to $30 plus per square foot for the completed project. Higher end projects are going to use the high quality S-1 slate tile, one of the top slate roofing companies in the area (and also the most expensive) and will spare no expense in terms of the installation pattern, additional materials, etc.